Population trends have a dramatic impact on key public policies,
like social security, retirement, health care, unemployment,
education, and the environment. Only a short time ago rapid
population growth in poor countries was viewed as an obstacle
preventing economic progress. Today, there is growing concern about
the very low birth rates in economically developed countries, which
threaten social welfare systems and increase tensions between
generations. This course examines both theoretical and empirical
aspects of population change. We will review recent and historical
trends of the three main demographic processes – mortality,
fertility, and migration – and the social and political determinants
that affect them.